Sustainy Lead distortion

Sound Chaser · #1 05-15-2008, 07:16 PM

I'm looking for something smooth with a lot of sustain for leads and such. Already tried the Big Muff, too much feedback, and didn't sound as good as I'd hoped.

Thanks for your help!

Nyarlathotep · #2 05-15-2008, 08:15 PM

English Muff'n. Lots of sustain, turn down the treb for a really smooth fuzz.

bongomania · #3 05-15-2008, 09:58 PM

Geez, there are so many that will do what you're describing that it's hard to know where to start. I "get it" that the Muff didn't do it for you, but honestly you should try one or two more pedals, especially ones that are labeled "distortion", and see how they sound. I can't know telepathically what sound you hear in your head, but just based on the description of a smooth sustaining lead distortion, I can think of like a hundred. OK, maybe seven or eight that are good on bass, but the other 92 or so are plenty bass-friendly when used in a blender loop (best way to do this IMO).

What's your budget, and can you post an MP3 or Youtube link of the sound you think you want?

hensonbass · #4 05-15-2008, 11:31 PM

The Seymour Duncan Twin Tube Classic (SFX-03) has both a nice lead channel for soloing, and a rhythm channel that works great as a drive pedal for adding some tube grit to your bass sound.

FYI: The lead channel does roll off the bass response. I find it helpful to cut through, though some bass players would turned off by this eq'ing. The rhythm channel however will allow you to dial in some nice overdrive while maintaining the bass response if you would want instead.

Sir Edward V · #5 05-15-2008, 11:53 PM

I don't have much of a problem with feedback from my muff

... and I don't see how feedback is a bad thing... I like it!

one thing that helps with muffs is if you play an active bass, turn the EQ knobs all the way down, the muff plays much nicer this way

Dave Muscato · #6 05-15-2008, 11:56 PM

A compressor is as important as a distortion when it comes to "sustainy lead" tones. Less gain will help you sound clearer in the mix, too.

Try the compressor before the distortion in your signal path.

Sound Chaser · #7 05-17-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Geez, there are so many that will do what you're describing that it's hard to know where to start. I "get it" that the Muff didn't do it for you, but honestly you should try one or two more pedals, especially ones that are labeled "distortion", and see how they sound. I can't know telepathically what sound you hear in your head, but just based on the description of a smooth sustaining lead distortion, I can think of like a hundred. OK, maybe seven or eight that are good on bass, but the other 92 or so are plenty bass-friendly when used in a blender loop (best way to do this IMO).

What's your budget, and can you post an MP3 or Youtube link of the sound you think you want?

Basically, I want something as close to the overdrive channel of the Ampeg SVP-BSP (or 5-Pro) as possible, but in a stomp-box form.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xg_eWyRzlnA

That's my old BSP in action. I loved it, but it was too inconvenient and hummed like you wouldn't believe. An amp tech told me that they hum like that because Ampeg didn't shield everything properly in order to get it down to one rack space and save money in general.

Sound Chaser · #8 05-18-2008, 03:39 PM

Bump.

bongomania · #9 05-18-2008, 06:06 PM

I'd say check out the Aguilar Agro- there are samples and commentary over in the Amps forum. For a much cheaper and smaller option, check out the Guyatone DS2. I also like the old MXR Distortion II, but it's even smoother than your BSP tone.

GianGian · #10 05-18-2008, 09:06 PM

Ever tried the Ibanez PD7?? I never explorer it much, but I know it gives you lots of kinds of distorion.

Sound Chaser · #11 05-20-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GianGian

Ever tried the Ibanez PD7?? I never explorer it much, but I know it gives you lots of kinds of distorion.

I had one years ago. Definitely not what I'm looking for, but thank you anyway.